Shine bright like a diamond! Adele’s reign just won’t let up. According to Billboard, the singer-songwriter’s sophomore album, 21, has reached diamond status in the United States — meaning, the album has sold over 10 million units.
After holding a position on the charts for 92 weeks, 21 became the 21st album to sell 10 million units since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking data in 1991. Learn more about the album’s success.
The last album to sell as many copies in a shorter span of time was ‘N Sync’s “No Strings Attached,” which raced to 10 million in its 43rd week (January 2001). Only one album in the SoundScan era hit 10 million faster: Backstreet Boys’ “Millennium,” in its 39th week in February 2000.
“21” is one of only eight albums to hit the 10 million mark within two years of release (104 weeks). In addition to “21,” “No Strings Attached” and “Millennium,” Santana’s “Supernatural” (60 weeks to 10 million), Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill” (66), “The Bodyguard” soundtrack (72), Creed’s “Human Clay” (93) and Shania Twain’s “Come On Over” (96) all raced to the figure in under two years.
Congratulations are in order for Adele and her well-deserved achievement!
Read more on Billboard.